Chief of Defence Force (New Zealand)

The Chief of Defence Force (CDF) is the appointment held by the professional head of the New Zealand Defence Force. The post has existed under its present name since 1991. From 1963 to 1991 the head of the New Zealand Defence Force was known as the Chief of Defence Staff. All the incumbents have held three-star rank. The current Chief of Defence Force is Air Marshal Kevin Short.[1]

The CDF is the professional head of the defence forces and serves as the principal military advisor to the government. He is responsible for directing the Chiefs of Service and ensuring moral. The CDF also serves as the Chief Executive of the Defence Force, thereby being the person with sole accountability to the Government and people of New Zealand.[2]